Ray Obiedo & Friends

Contemporary jazz composer and guitarist Obiedo has had an eclectic musical background during his youth spent in the San Francisco Bay Area. Probably the greatest influence on his embryonic career, however, was the James Brown revue, whose funky, percussive guitar sounds was the platform on which Obiedo built his technique. A world tour in 1978-79 with jazz superstar Herbie Hancock is still one Ray's most treasured musical memories.
Ray also started his long association with the great Pete Escovedo which continues today. His own funk/fusion band, Kick, included a young Sheila Escovedo on drums and Sonny Rollins long time associate Mark Soskin on keyboards. In the mid 80s his reputation grew as one of California's finest exponents of jazz, pop and fusion .His own session experience is considerable, having partnered artists including Herbie Hancock, George Duke, Lou Rawls, Grover Washington Jr., Bill Summers, Brenda Russell,The Whispers and most currently Bob Mintzer's Big Band.
Obiedo's solo compositions also attracted acclaim, and saw interpretations from Tower of Power, Sheila E, Marion Meadows, steel pan great Andy Narell and The Pete Escovedo Orchestra. Parts of his work have appeared on film soundtracks, most notably Michael Caine's "A Shock To The System" and Richard Gere's "Internal Affairs". Obiedo made his solo debut with 1989's Perfect Crime, followed two years later by Iguana; with 1993's Sticks and Stones, he reached the Top Ten on Billboard's Contemporary Jazz charts.
Never has contemporary jazz guitarist Ray Obiedo's genuine lifelong affection for the San Francisco Bay Area's unique musical personality been more clearly evident or remarkably celebrated than in his newest CD "Latin Jazz Project Vol 1 ", released nationwide on the Rhythmus Records label.
Ray Obiedo & Friends featuring:
Leah Tysse - vocal
Peter Horvath - sax
Melecio Magdaluyo - sax
David Belove - bass
Billy Johnson - drums